About declaration orders

The Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks can exempt a proponent from preparing an environmental assessment for a project or decide the proponent only need comply with some of the requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act. This is known as a declaration order.

The Minister can use the declaration order to either exempt the project or set out conditions the proponent must meet.

When a declaration order is used

Declaration orders are usually considered:

  • in cases of emergency
  • when the proposal is in the public interest
  • where potential environmental effects are likely to be minimal
  • where environmental impacts are already being adequately addressed

How to request a declaration order

To make a declaration order, a proponent must:

  • make a written request to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
  • include as much information about the project as possible and the reason for your request
  • submit request to:
    Director, Environmental Assessment Branch
    Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
    135 St. Clair Avenue West, 1st floor
    Toronto, Ontario  M4V 1P5

Approval process

After you submit your written request:

  • the Minister will often require a review and public feedback before making a decision
  • the request is usually posted on the Environmental Registry for a minimum of 30 to 45 days for public comment
  • Cabinet must approve the Minister’s decision to make a declaration order